New Card Range

I have so much I want to share at the moment, I have been out of action for the last week or so, firstly due to the snow as I had limited childcare and secondly because Eva was so poorly all week last week with a very nasty sickness bug, I took the week off to care for her, one of the massive perks of being self employed is that even though it's a bit of a juggle I know I can be there for my family at a moments notice. So reassuring, I don't think I could manage any other way now.

Happy Birthday Eva!!!
Eva is four years old today, I cannot believe it, it has totally flown by. That's not to say the trauma's of childbirth aren't still fresh in my mind (hence only one child)!



I just have time to share with you the cards in my new range of products, I have re-opened my etsy shop and they are flying off the shelves. One was even featured in the etsyuk email yesterday, I was so excited to see it! It's quite a small pic but it's on the bottom left.

So here they are... my biscuit and sweet themed cards, inspired by childhood nostalgia, a super yummy selection of illustrated cards for Valentine's Day, Anniversaries, Birthdays or just a special card to cheer someone up.

The cards are all available as personalised and non-personalised. There is still enough time to order a personalised card for Valentine's Day, if you are quick!

 Nice Biscuit Cards

 Jammy Dodger Cards

Love Heart Sweet Cards 

 I don't know about your guys, but I'm so glad it's February, good things are going to happen I can feel it!

 

Summer Bake

It's Saturday morning, I sitting at my desk with a list as long my arm. But I don't mind as I have had a very busy but productive week. There have been lots of play days with my 3 year old and the weather has been so kind this week, we have managed to get out every day and meet with friends to play outside and make the most of the holidays.

I have limited childcare in the holidays as I want don't want to miss out on this important part of our lives, the downside to this means I end up working every evening until my bedtime and of course Saturday mornings. But now that I'm in the full swing of things I am finding that actually it's working pretty well and my days feel completely fulfilled.

I had a lovely suprise yesterday when my good friend Quirky Boots  sent me a text message to say that my new carrier bag holders had been featured on the not on the high street.com facebook page they are still there and have 115 likes!! So if you have a spare minute please take a look.

As it's the weekend I thought I would share with you a recipe that I made this week, it's an old favourite, it uses up the glut of tomatoes and courgettes that are available at this time of year. Whether you have grown your own or are taking advantage of the in season offers at the supermarket this dish is perfect accompaniment to a summer bbq or as a main dish with some nice crusty bread.

I made it in a big dish that I bought from a recent vintage fair for £1.00!!! Bargainous!

Courgette and Tomato Layer Bake

What you need:

2 x large (or four small) courgettes sliced thinly
2 x large (or 1 beef) tomatoes sliced thinly
1 x onion chopped or sliced
1 x red pepper chopped or sliced

olive oil (drizzle)
oregano and basil
garlic (crushed)

50g parmesan or any strong cheese (grated)
handful bread crumbs (optional)
 
What to do:
1. Fry the onion and pepper in some olive oil for 5-10mins until softened, over a gentle heat. After about 8 minutes add the garlic.

2. Put the fried ingredients in the bottom of the dish and layer the courgette and tomato slices in a round, following the edge of the dish. I had so many for this dish that I did two layers, it wokred fine, just needed a little extra cooking time.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and scatter with oregano and fresh basil.

4. Bake in a medium oven for about 30mins, once it all looks cooked cover the top with the cheese and breadcrumbs and bake for another 5 mins.

5. Tuck in!!

First of my Screen Printed products

 I have been playing around with screen printing for a few months now and have been trying to find a way to create designs that still look like they are mine and fit into my range, but without embroidering them.

It's taken a little while to find 'my style' and I guess this is something that will constantly evolve, but what I'm really hoping to do is bring together my graphics work with my textiles so that I can have a harmonious brain and avoid the disjointed thinking that I have been doing for the last eighteen months.

For my first product I have developed on of my old favourites. Mot of you will remember my carrier bag holders with the free machine embroidery, well this is a new take on that and I am really delighted to be using gorgeous old vintage candy stripe fabric too.

I am offering each design in one base fabric, so they are very limited availability and once these have gone, the print design will change along with the fabrics.

I hope you like the new concept and product. They are available directly from me and through my not on the high street.com shop.